Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The state of Florida has eight separate regions that are home to many businesses, residential areas, historical sites, tourist attractions and natural beauty. Known for its wildlife and warm climate, Florida attracts visitors with its white sandy beaches, attractions like Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens, and state parks. Each area of Florida has something different to offer.
The Northwest region of florida contains 16 counties and stretches from Pensacola to Tallahassee. Some of the region's attractions include white sand beaches and state parks such as Falling Waters State Park. The area was settled by the Apalachee indians around 1,000 A.D.
The North Central region is home to the University of Florida and lies between Interstate 75 and Interstate 10. Its attractions include the Florida Museum of Natural History. This area was originally settled after the civil war by southerners from Georgia and the Carolinas.
The Northeast region of Florida is home to the city of Jacksonville. Some of the attractions in this area include Amelia Island, beaches, fishing and golfing. Jacksonville was founded in 1882 by Isaia D. Hart.
The East Central region is one of the largest tourist areas of Florida. Walt Disney World, Daytona Beach and Kissimmee are all located here. Orlando was originally founded in 1838, when it was the site of Fort Gatlin during the Seminole wars.
The Tampa Bay region of Florida is on the western side of the peninsula, and includes the towns of Tampa, Sarasota, and Venice. This area boats plenty of zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums, and is home to Busch Gardens theme park. Spanish settler Hernando de Soto landed in Tampa Bay in 1539. De Soto named the area Bahia Espiritu Santo, or Bay of the Holy Spirit.
The Southwest region of Florida is home to Cape Coral, Charlotte and Naples. This area boasts attractions such as gulf beaches and boat tours. It is also home to critters such as alligators. The southwest region was home to the Calusa Indians who lived in the area before Columbus discovered America. In the 1700s, the area became populated with Native Americans from Georgia and Alabama, as well as African American slaves, forming a tribe called the Seminole.
The South Central and Southeast regions of Florida are home to the Florida Everglades, as well as many of the populated beach areas. Glades County, named for the Florida Everglades, encompasses 986 square miles. The area is home to Indian burial grounds and Gatorama, a tourist attraction geared toward children that features--well, alligators.
The Southeast region is one of the most populated areas in Florida. Home to Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, the area boasts many museums, beaches, zoos and nightclubs. This is also the area that is home to the city of Miami, as well as the Florida Keys--two of Florida's tourist destinations.